Page 25 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 5, April 2024

FAR AND BEYOND: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are substantial progress towards eliminating polio and
integral for coordinating efforts and securing ensuring a healthier future for its children.
necessary resources.
Here are seven major activities and strategies The author currently serves as the Municipal Planning and
Development Office of San Jose de Buenavista, being a
for eradicating polio in the Philippines: licensed Environmental Planner. He is also a past president
of the Rotary Club of Antique. He has great interest in
1. Vaccination Campaigns: Organise and urban planning consultancy work and actively advocating,
execute regular vaccination drives for coordinating, and mentoring for accessible rights for
persons with disabilities.
children under 5 years old, particularly in
high-risk regions. Collaborate with local
health centres, schools, and community
leaders to ensure widespread coverage.
2. Surveillance and Monitoring: Strengthen
surveillance systems to quickly detect and
respond to suspected polio cases. Train
healthcare workers how to recognise
symptoms and collect appropriate samples
for testing.
3. Community Engagement: Collaborate
with communities to dispel vaccine myths
and misinformation. Implement outreach
programmes to educate parents on the
importance of polio vaccination and address
their concerns.

4. Mobile Clinics: Establish mobile clinics to
reach remote and underserved areas with
limited healthcare access. These clinics
provide vaccines and healthcare services to
children and families in these communities.
5. Partnerships and Collaboration: Forge
partnerships with international bodies such
as WHO and UNICEF, as well as with local
governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders,
to pool resources and expertise in the battle
against polio.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and
evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination
campaigns and other interventions to assess
progress towards polio eradication. Modify
strategies based on data and feedback from
these assessments.
7. Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for
political and financial support for polio
eradication efforts at the national and local
levels. Raise public awareness of the critical
importance of vaccination and the benefits
of a polio-free Philippines.
By effectively and consistently implementing
these strategies, the Philippines can achieve

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